Super Rafale F5
Super-Rafale that will work alongside a medium combat drone of the Loyal Wingman type created using the nEUROn program's technological advancements.The addendum details some of the features that will be developed as part of the Rafale F5 program, such as greatly increased computational capability.
Most notably, two new key capabilities are being introduced: suppression of enemy anti-aircraft defenses (SEAD) on the one hand, and the development of a combat drone presented as a "derivative" of technological advancements from the nEUROn program.
According to a recent amendment introduced in the French National Assembly, Dassault Aviation is working on a Rafale F5 version aircraft that can fly with a Loyal Wingman (drone).
The amendment was presented earlier this month by the Ministry of Armed Forces to offer additional information about the next Rafale program efforts, notably those connected to the new F5 variant that would be built during the Military Planning Program (LPM) 2024-2030.
This disclosure is noteworthy because Europe's next-generation fighter aircraft program, known as the Future Combat Aircraft System (FCAS), in which France also participates, is now moving after a lengthy period of inactivity.
According to French media, Dassault Aviation considered leaving the agreement and constructing a French alternative (as Plan B) if the FCAS development failed to progress.
Dassault Chief Eric Trappier reportedly said at the time, as part of his media offensive, that he had a concept for a significant Rafale development, a sort of Super-Rafale that will work alongside a medium combat drone of the Loyal Wingman type created using the nEUROn program's technological advancements.
However, the FCAS program was eventually saved as partner nations France, Germany, and Spain reconciled and signed a contract for the program's research, development, and demonstration operations.
In March of this year, the FCAS partners formally launched the program's critical Phase 1B at the Air and Space Force Headquarters in Madrid.
After a protracted period of stagnation that suggested an eventual French exit, significant progress has been achieved on the FCAS program. Despite the expenditure and dedication to FCAS, the French have not abandoned the concept of constructing and flying a Rafale fighter plane based on some of the same principles as the next-generation European aircraft.
The Rafale F-5, or 'Super Rafale,' design has been around for a long time and has made news as far back as 2021. According to Frédéric Parisot, Vice Chief of the French Air and Space Force, "Dassault Aviation is scheduled to introduce an F5 standard of the present aircraft, "endowed with an outstanding number of capabilities," according to the French magazine Zone Militaire.
"At the start of the 2030s, the F5 standard will allow us to further improve the Rafale's first entry capacity, not only with new sensors and armaments, but also with capacities to communicate, collaborate, and be interoperable," according to the article.
However, this may be the first time that particular facts regarding the program have been released in an official French statement to its Parliament.
Photo/video credit:
Dassault Aviation
UK in France
Maxime Athier
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